Grade 7 Unit 3: Folk Music and Arts

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Questions and Answers

What natural materials are predominantly used in the musical instruments of Southeast Asia?

Stone and clay

Synthetic fibers and rubber

Bamboo, wood, and metals (correct)

Plastic and glass

What is the primary cultural characteristic of the Gamelan ensemble in Indonesia?

It is known for its non-metallic instruments.

It consists of bronze or iron idiophones and is considered sacred. (correct)

It mostly features vocal performances with minimal instruments.

It is a secular music style popular in urban areas.

Which of the following instruments is part of the Gamelan ensemble?

Bonang (correct)

Piano

Drum set

Violin

What themes are commonly found in songs written by Southeast Asian cultures?

Worship of nature and agricultural practices Signup and view all the answers

How are Gamelan instruments treated by musicians?

Musicians bow and must not step over the instruments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main instrument that dominates Thailand’s Piphat Ensemble?

Ranat ek Signup and view all the answers

Which type of meter is primarily used in the music of Thailand’s Piphat Ensemble?

Duple meter Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the khawng wong yai in Thailand’s Piphat Ensemble?

Plays basic melodies Signup and view all the answers

How many instruments are typically included in Cambodia’s Pinpeat Ensemble?

Eight to ten Signup and view all the answers

What classification does Cambodia's Pinpeat Ensemble fall under?

Gong-chime music Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the pieces played by Thailand’s Piphat Ensemble?

Continuous and busy Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of vocal music in Southeast Asia?

Oral tradition is heavily utilized Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Piphat Ensemble, what role does the instrument 'ching' play?

Provides an accent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary activity that each group is required to undertake regarding their assigned folk song?

Research and present the song's history and cultural significance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries is NOT assigned as a group in the activity?

Vietnam Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the group activity centered around folk music?

To capture the essence and style of the music in performance Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate does Southeast Asia experience that influences its trade?

Tropical and humid Signup and view all the answers

Which activity follows the research and is central to the group’s presentation?

Practicing a performance of the folk song Signup and view all the answers

What unique aspect is required in the group presentation about the folk song?

Details about traditional instruments used Signup and view all the answers

Why did traders and explorers wish to establish trade with Southeast Asian countries?

Due to the region's rich variety of spices and goods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the overall purpose of the lesson on folk music and arts?

To explore the connection of folk music across Southeast Asia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Grade 7 Unit 3: Exploring Folk Music and Arts, Philippines and Southeast Asia

The central question is: How do the folk music and arts of the Philippines connect with those of selected Southeast Asian countries?
Lesson 1: Harmonizing Cultures: Folk Music Artistry Across Southeast Asia
Borobudur is a Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia.
The class will be divided into four groups: Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Students will research a traditional folk song for their assigned country.
This includes researching the song's history, cultural importance, interesting stories, and traditional instruments used.
Students will practice singing or playing the folk song as a group.
Students will create a presentation about their research, including details of history and cultural significance.
Students will highlight unique aspects of the music.
Students will practice performing their folk song as a group, focusing on capturing the essence and style of the music.
Each group will present their folk song and explain its significance to the class.
Southeast Asia includes the Indochinese Peninsula/Mainland (Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos) and Insular Southeast Asia (Malaysia, East Timor, Singapore, Brunei, Archipelagos of Indonesia, Philippines).

Regional Characteristics

The region has a tropical climate, often hot and humid.
The climate creates a rich variety of spices and exotic goods, including rice, rubber, and petroleum.
Traders and explorers were attracted to these resources.

Historical Influences

India established trade and commerce in Southeast Asia, introducing traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
Portuguese and Dutch traders converted parts of the region into colonies and had minimal cultural influence.
Britain and France colonized and traded in parts of the region.

General Characteristics of Music in Southeast Asia

Musical instruments are often made from natural materials found in the region (bamboo, wood, metal).
Music often reflects animism, with chants and songs dedicated to nature and spirits.
Music often focuses on agriculture, from rice planting songs to harvest songs.
Some songs are prayers for a good harvest.
Metal gongs are frequently used to communicate with or honor spirits, and often accompany rituals or processions.

Indonesia's Gamelan Ensemble

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world.
The Gamelan ensemble uses bronze gongs.
Gamelan instruments are seen as sacred and have supernatural powers.
Musicians treat instruments with respect and do not step over them before playing (or during a performance).
Instruments include bronze or iron idiophones (known as metallophones).
Key instruments (e.g., gong ageng, bonang, saron barung, gambang, rebab, and kendang).
The tuning system includes Slendro (octave divided into five equidistant tones) and Pelog (seven-tone tuning).

Thailand's Piphat Ensemble

Piphat is the country's most well-known ensemble.
It features in theater performances, rituals, funerals, and court events.
Musical pieces are continuous, busy, and non-directional.
Double-reed aerophones/tuned idiophones are used.
Keyed xylophone called the ranat ek is prominent.
Two sets of the larger, lower-pitched khawng wong yai (basic melodies) and higher-pitched khawng wong lek (faster and more ornate melodies).
The ching (a cup-shaped instrument) plays accents.

Cambodia's Pinpeat Ensemble

Cambodian music often accompanies events, festivals, and rites.
It is performed by the Pinpeat ensemble, which is one of the oldest ensembles.
It employs a total of eight to ten instruments.
Classified as "gong-chime" music.
The instruments are similar to Thailand's Piphat Ensemble, but instruments have different names.

Vocal Music in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has a rich vocal music tradition.
Songs, traditions, and stories are often taught orally, passed down through listening and constant practice.

Kulintang

A musical ensemble from The Philippines.

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Description

Explore the rich folk music and arts of the Philippines and Southeast Asia in this engaging unit. Through group research and presentations, students will uncover the cultural importance and unique instruments of traditional folk songs from selected countries. Join in the excitement of singing and playing these melodies while discovering harmonious cultural connections.